Erbium bromide is a crystalline compound with the chemical formula ErBr3, which is highly soluble in water. Like other metal bromides, it is used in water treatment, chemical analysis, and certain crystal growth applications.
rose crystal(s); deliquescent [MER06]
Place a known quantity of high-purity erbium metal in a quartz boat within a tube furnace. Purge the furnace tube with an inert gas (e.g., argon) to remove air and moisture. Heat the furnace to an elevated temperature (typically several hundred degrees Celsius). Introduce a controlled flow of dry bromine vapor, carried by the inert gas stream, over the heated erbium metal. The reaction is highly exothermic and proceeds to form erbium tribromide. After the reaction is complete, cool the furnace to room temperature under the inert gas flow. The resulting erbium tribromide is then collected in a dry, inert atmosphere.
Equation:2 Er(s) + 3 Br₂(g) → 2 ErBr₃(s)
